For years, Wardruna founder Einar Selvik performed acoustic concerts and lectures, playing and chanting Wardruna songs on his own, as well as his creations made for the TV-series “Vikings” in an acoustic format.
Parts of this incredible material were finally recorded “live in studio” at the Solslottet Studio of Bergen (Norway), and the recording was released through By Norse Music on November 23rd 2018.

Skald takes the listener on a musical journey outside the massive soundscape that Wardruna is known for, into a simpler, more direct form where voice, poetry and ancient instruments like Kravik-lyre, Taglharpa and Bukkehorn lead the way.

Einar Selvik comments:
“Skald was recorded live in the studio with the intention of capturing the raw and uncompromising energy of a live performance rather than aiming for a flawless and polished expression. It sets out to give voice to the ancient craft that once lay at the heart of the Norse oral traditions, presented as it takes shape in the hands of a humble contemporary skald today.”

All formats of the album contain an extensive booklet with all lyrics translated to English, as well as a solid introduction to the Skald and Old Norse poetry written by the acclaimed Icelandic author and Old Norse philologist Bergsveinn Birgisson.

Tracklist:
1. Vardlokk 2:07
2. Skald 2:01
3. Ein Sat Hun Uti 4:06
4. Voluspá (skaldic version) 6:20
5. Fehu (skaldic version) 3:28
6. Vindavla 5:34
7. Ormagardskvedi 3:10
8. Gravbakkjen 2:41
9. Sonatorrek 15:52
10. Helvegen (skaldic version) 4.36

Label: By Norse Music
Release date: November 23, 2018
Media: CD with booklet
Color: Black
Genre: Folk / World Music